Climate impacts deepen across Vanua Levu

Communities across Vanua Levu are increasingly grappling with the tangible effects of a changing climate, which are significantly impacting their food production, water supplies, and the natural resources essential for their survival.

In areas like Macuata and Cakaudrove, residents report a noticeable decline in crop quality and shifts in fish stocks. Saltwater intrusion into agricultural lands, prolonged droughts, and more frequent extreme weather events are placing growing pressure on traditional livelihoods. Headman Marika Sade of Naviavia Settlement in Macuata described how crops like taro are no longer as high-quality as they once were, and fish in local rivers are also becoming scarcer.

Provincial Administrator Macuata, Revoni Rakasalu, noted that industries vital to the region, including sugar cane, copra, dalo, fishing, and tourism, all depend on healthy ecosystems. These resources are now under increasing strain. Coastal communities are particularly vulnerable, facing shoreline erosion, saltwater contamination of farmland, and depleted water supplies during dry periods.

As Fiji prepares to host COP discussions, communities on Vanua Levu are urging that climate talks translate into concrete, on-the-ground support. They emphasize the urgent need for enhanced adaptation measures, improved water security, and assistance in developing climate-resilient livelihoods to help them withstand the escalating climate pressures.

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The challenges that we are facing now in our area is that there has been less quality in the crops we grow. Before, the taro was of good quality, but now it is not. It is not only the plants that have been affected, but the fish in the rivers too.